Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has tragically passed away at his residence in Greece.
The 31-year-old was discovered unresponsive in a swimming pool at his home in Glyfada, located in southern Athens.
Emergency services attempted to revive Baldock but were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Tributes flooded in from fellow Premier League players, including ex-Blades star Harry Maguire, who expressed his condolences on social media.
The Manchester United and England defender shared a broken heart emoji alongside the message “RIP.”
Baldock made over 200 appearances for Sheffield United, contributing to two promotions to the Premier League before transitioning to Greek club Panathinaikos in May under a three-year contract.
Throughout his career, he also played for MK Dons, Northampton Town, and Oxford United.
Terrible, tragic news as George Baldock has sadly passed away aged 31.
Baldock was playing for Panathinaikos in Greece after several years in England.
Rest in peace, George 💔🕊️ pic.twitter.com/AcleGwFpAF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 9, 2024
Baldock was born in England yet was eligible to represent Greece through his grandmother.
He earned 12 caps for the Greek national team and was not included in the squad to face England in the Nations League at Wembley on Thursday. This season, he participated in four matches across all competitions.
The Football Association released a statement saying: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of George Baldock at the age of 31.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to George’s family, friends, and team-mates both at his club and at the national level.”
The England national team also expressed their sorrow on X: “We’re extremely saddened by the passing of George Baldock. He was close to many of our players and represented Greece – our opponents Thursday night.
“Our thoughts are with George’s family, friends, and teammates at this difficult time.”
Super League Greece issued a statement as well: “The entire Super League football community expresses its deep sorrow for the untimely loss of Panathinaikos and our national team player, George Baldock, and extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.
The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on a… pic.twitter.com/OlDsn0lFpB
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) October 9, 2024
Sheffield United also paid tribute: “Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.
“He departed the club earlier this summer after seven years at Bramall Lane, where he was dearly loved by supporters, staff, and team-mates who wore the red and white alongside him.
“The heartfelt condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends.”
Both Panathinaikos and the Greece national team darkened their profile pictures on social media to commemorate Baldock on Wednesday evening.
Image Source: George Baldock @ Instagram
